Bernese Mountain's Health Insurance

Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred for use on a farm and even today they are still seen as one of the traditional farm dogs. They were also used to pull carts due to their size and strength. As a breed they are known for being generally good-natured, placid and happy dogs.

As they were first bred for working outside, they are a dog that is at its happiest when playing outdoors. They need a lot of exercise and will relish a good run. If you are going to let your dog off the lead it is important to train them to come back when called. They might sometimes get overexcited when allowed to run free and end up in a situation where they get a few scratches, so it’s always useful to have pet insurance for them - as it is for any breed.

As a breed they are generally healthy although like many larger breed they don’t have a particular long life span. An average Bernese Mountain Dog will live for around eight years.

The chief disease that is associated with this breed is cancer. Fibrosarcoma is when a tumour occurs, most commonly in their mouths and also in some cases as a rare bone tumour. Possible treatments include radiotherapy and chemotherapy which can extend the dog's life and reduce symptoms by shrinking the tumour.

Bernese Mountain Dogs can also suffer from musculoskeletal problems affecting their muscles and bones and resulting in them having difficulty and discomfort when they move. The most common problems the breed tends to suffer from are hip dysplasia and arthritis. Both conditions are mainly seen in older dogs and can be treated and helped by medication.

Overall, the Bernese Mountain Dog tends to suffer from a lot of the same problems as other large breeds of dogs. Give them plenty of exercise, a healthy diet and lots of love you will have a happy and healthy pet.

Lifelong pet insurance is worth considering if you have a Bernese Mountain Dog. It means you have the reassurance of knowing that if your dog does need expensive pet treatments you will be covered for the cost, subject to the terms and conditions of your policy.